Nigerian teams win 79-0, 67-0 games

ABUJA, Nigeria — The two Nigerian soccer teams each figured it needed a big win in the final round at an amateur tournament to outdo the other and earn promotion to the country’s professional leagues.

Plateau United Feeders’ and Police Machine’s victories were certainly big: 79-0 and 67-0.

The results have sparked outrage, an indefinite suspension of the four clubs involved in the games, and an investigation into match-fixing by the Nigeria Football Federation.

On Tuesday, the NFF called the scores from Monday’s tournament in the northeastern city of Bauchi “a mind-boggling show of shame.”

“The teams involved, their players and officials, match officials, (tournament) coordinator and anyone found to have played some role in this despicable matter (will) be severely dealt with,” NFF director of competitions Mohammed Sanusi said.

Chasing a place in Nationwide League Division 3, Nigeria’s lowest professional league, Plateau United Feeders reportedly scored 72 of its goals against Akurba FC in the second half — a rate of more than a goal a minute. In fact, a goal about every 40 seconds. Non-stop for 45 minutes.